Day 15 & 16 - The Life of a Farmer

Had to make the call early to take on this route or not as there were conflicting reports as to whether or not this bridge actually existed. The risk was to save me 5 km or add 20 km. As always - have to take the risk and make the big play. Never do I cash out on my last leg of a multi.

Came for the morning walk just out of Krishnarajanagara

Of course - the bridge didn't exist. I guess the same reason why I have never won a multi. A mug punter.

However, lucky for me there was a railway crossing close by. Only issue was going to be having to pull Colin (my constant companion attached to my hip) along the tracks for the next km. So put it in 4WD mode and off I went - constantly turning my head to keep a look out for those silent death trains from behind.

My saviour. Was not keen on that extra 20km

Work your magic Col

By end of the day my feet were certainly beginning to take on a new life form. After you get going you actually just get used to having a 6th toe and completely forget about the discomfort.

No caption needed.. Leper

Earlier last week I spoke about my own vulnerability. This last week I have been surrounded by agriculture - the backbone of society.

"You're doing it all wrong" - In reference for me using Colin

Witnessing the surroundings has only further put my own life into perspective. As I walked through the dry and barren land, the farmers were hard at work in the blaring sun - the crops looked scarce due to the poor season and drought.

Built like a brick wall. Them Hands. ✋🏻✋🏻

Always want to stop and give me a lift on the back of their tractor

Farmers - a life that is so susceptible to mother nature - even more so due to climate change impacts. There are few alternatives if their crops or livestock fail to deliver.

Feature of my walk. Out on the roads to dry and then sifted through.

"Across the world - farmers have a higher rate of suicide than people with other occupations. It is a growing complex issue in Australia that I am not going to pretend to know a lot about - climate change, a market controlled by a duopoly, isolation and the laconic nature of rural people could all be factors."

Spending time with my own family in the country at Christmas was also just as eye opening. It's a different life and one that I have the utmost respect for their toughness and resilience.